I usually have *at least* two pairs of shoes with me: my pair for commuting and the pair I change into for work. I had to smile and document the 1/2 way point of this daily ritual featuring my comfy Vans and my new peep-toe heels from ModCloth that finally arrived this week.

I went to see burlesque queen Dita Von Teese and her lovely friends on the second of their two night tour stop in Portland. Needless to say, it was a feast for mine eyes! I’m still processing all of the glam and glitter…. and pasties.

These type of shows ignite a lot of feelings in me. Part of me is tense watching women parade around in silly costumes as nothing more than spectacles of desire; equally though, I adore the glitz and glamor, the make-up and hair, the SHOW BIZ. I’m not of the belief that the feminist and feminine must be mutually exclusive. This particular show made a concerted effort to showcase a wide range of body types, races, and even physical disabilities. All of the performers, no matter what size, were up on stage, completely owning their power as sexual beings… and appearing to have the time of their lives doing so.

I had a great time and Dita & Co. gained a new fan. Many thanks to my friend SB for taking me along! xo

I planned to post at length this weekend, but then the sun decided to shine. So it goes.

One thing I do want to convey is how spectacular the YSL Retrospective was in Denver! The whole visit was great – too quick, but great – and the exhibit was definitely a highlight. It was so much larger than I was expecting [over 200 pieces] and each turn revealed new scenery. There was no photography allowed….buuut I did get a few sneaky snaps. I know, I know, being the obnoxious “entitled museum goer” isn’t what I aspire to be, but I just couldn’t resist. I actually got through the whole darn thing before I got caught [and pretty harshly scolded!] trying to get a good shot of THE black dress with pink bow pictured on all the promo materials. That one had to be deleted, but the rest remain. Here are some of my favorites:

A glimpse of the swag in my “basket” this year. My mom is so amazing at assembling the most thoughtful collection of items: number stamps with ink, a cufflink that belonged to my Granddad repurposed as a bracelet charm, and some sparkly crayons have all already been used. Thanks, mom and a very happy Easter & Passover to all!

IT WAS SUNNY ALL WEEKEND. I’ve blurted that sentence out multiple times today as I’ve mentally [and financially…eh….] taken stock of my weekend wanderings. This part of the country is so bizarre to me sometimes. I mean, people literally alter or altogether abandon plans when the giant, blazing orb in the sky comes out for the first few times in spring. Today, for example, I got a call from my bestie while I was at yoga, as we had plans to catch up at some point in the day; I got her message when I got home and texted her back saying “I’ll call you later- the sun is out.” ‘NUFF SAID. Thankfully, she lives in Seattle now, so she completely understands. I guess it’s not that different than the first nice day on campus during my college days in the midwest; now it’s just much more pronounced in a strangers high-fiving each other &/or smiling for no particular-reason way.

A new season – literally or figuratively – is always exhilarating for me. The promise and potential of the ‘unknown’ ahead scares the bejesus out of me, but in a way that makes me also really excited and usually creatively stimulated. Before I moved here and even up until pretty recently, I didn’t buy into the whole S.A.D or “woe is me it’s winter” as a justification for being down/depressed/stifled. But there is just no denying the power of a sunny day or stretch of days [preferred]; my thoughts have most definitely changed.

Alright, back to my aforementioned recent wanderings. I’m going to rely on my trusty phone camera roll-turned Instagram uploads to tell most of the tale for me. Seeing is believing: that goes for sunny days and shopping sprees.

Made a trip to the new-ish downtown Animal Traffic late last week to check out these cool, locally handmade bracelets [only $20!!]:

Those are all well and good, but I decided on something a bit more… Western. Definitely a new accessory family for me, but I think this will look great worn as a necklace with a black dress & boots:

Here’s one of my #dailybling snaps from the week that I especially like because it showcases the unique detailing often seen on vintage attire. The thoughtfully accented pocket square is sewn in and the pin is added by me- and yes, the locket really opens [but is empty, must change that].

A sweet, adorably labeled bright violet blouse I scored at Backtalk, the new boutique on Alberta that opened where The Factory used to be [obviously I also went in their new location just down the street, upgrade!]:

I love the name Josephine [Jo March!] and the top fits great and can be worn to work, so yeah, SOLD!

This next photo is of the bag purchases made at Solestruck shoes are sent home in:

So what can you deduce from this photo, you smart, beautiful human?
Yep, I bought some new kicks!

Ok… not these. Although this pair of Miu Miu “inspired “ [*cough* knock-off ] glitter booties did get me all hot and bothered and are the closest to the real thing Imma get for quite sometime.

No, I came away with these booty-kickin’, strut-inducing, BA gold studded black boots:

Ya know, for not being a “shoe person” I’ve certainly been posting about them a lot lately, eh? While my accessorizing allegiance will always be with jewels over purses/bags, scarves, belts, and shoes, I’m coming to have a very…let’s say ‘healthy’ relationship with the latter. I’m a bit surprised they came home with me but I have not an ounce of buyer’s remorse [not like I ever do]. I love them and since you can get away with wearing boots nearly year-round in the PNW, they’ve already been worn a few times.

As always, so much to do and see in this fair city, and most definitely when the weather is equally as lovely. Cheers to seasons and wandering without destination.